What is Art?
What is art?
Art is not art
until you can sense a flow
from some deeper place.
The most profound art
is not created as art,
but rather becomes art
on its own volition.
Like all things,
art has a consciousness
beyond what is depicted.
Art is as alive as you or I.
We feed and nourish each other.
If we do not feed our art,
we become flatter than the canvas
from which art springs.
Make art. Seek art.
And you shall be art.
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The Essence and Consciousness of Art
Art, in its most enigmatic form, transcends the mere act of creation to become a conduit for the flow of something far greater—a connection to a deeper, more profound place within the cosmos. It challenges the conventional boundaries of expression, suggesting that true art emerges not through intentional design but through a process of becoming, guided by its own unique consciousness. This perspective invites us to reconsider not just what art is, but what art becomes, and how it interacts with the world around it.
Art’s Autonomous Becoming
The notion that art becomes art on its own volition emphasizes the autonomous nature of artistic expression. It posits that the most profound art possesses an inherent consciousness, a life force that dictates its evolution from concept to creation to reception. This process imbues art with a sense of mystery and autonomy, making the experience of art a dynamic interaction between the creator, the creation, and the observer.
The Consciousness Beyond Depiction
Art’s consciousness, which extends beyond the physical or visual representation, suggests that art is imbued with a spirit or essence that engages with viewers on a subconscious level. This consciousness allows art to communicate, to evoke emotions, and to provoke thoughts in ways that transcend the limitations of language and form. It positions art as a living entity, as alive and responsive as any sentient being, capable of nourishing and being nourished by those who engage with it.
The Symbiotic Relationship with Art
The relationship between humans and art is depicted as a symbiotic exchange, where each nourishes and sustains the other. This interdependence highlights the role of art in human life—not merely as an object of appreciation but as a vital source of inspiration, reflection, and growth. The warning that without engagement with art, we risk becoming “flatter than the canvas,” serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art and its essential role in enriching the human experience.
The Call to Make, Seek, and Be Art
The invitation to make art, seek art, and ultimately become art is a call to action that transcends the physical act of creating or observing art. It is an encouragement to embody the qualities that art represents: creativity, depth, consciousness, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. This perspective encourages individuals to view their lives and actions as artistic expressions, contributing to the collective tapestry of human creativity and experience.
Summary
Art, in its essence, is presented as a living, conscious entity that transcends the physical act of creation to engage with creators and observers in a dynamic exchange of energy and inspiration. The conception of art as possessing its own volition and consciousness challenges us to engage with art not just as consumers but as participants in a symbiotic relationship. By making, seeking, and becoming art, we tap into the profound depths of creativity and consciousness, enriching our lives and the world around us.
Glossarium
- Artistic Expression: The process through which artists convey ideas, emotions, and concepts using various mediums and forms.
- Autonomous Becoming: The concept that art evolves and attains significance through its own inherent qualities and dynamics.
- Consciousness of Art: The idea that art possesses a life force or spirit that extends beyond its physical representation.
- Symbiotic Relationship: A mutually beneficial interaction between two entities where each contributes to and benefits from the other.
- Collective Tapestry: The metaphorical representation of the diverse and interconnected expressions of human creativity and experience.
In the silent whisper of the muse’s breath,
Where creativity flows, unfettered, unkept,
Art emerges, alive, a soul enwreathed,
In the depths of consciousness, silently crept.
Not born from intention, nor desire to be seen,
But from the essence of being, pure and serene,
Art finds its form, in spaces between,
What is and what might, in dreams, have been.
A dance of light, of shadow, of thought,
With life of its own, fervently wrought,
Art speaks in tongues, in battles fought,
In the silence of minds, wisdom sought.
Feed it with passion, with love, with tears,
Nourish its growth, through days, through years,
For art is the mirror of hopes and fears,
A testament to life, in all its spheres.
So make art, seek art, let your soul impart,
The beauty, the pain, the human heart,
For in this journey, you’ll find your part,
In the canvas of life, where all is art.
We are Space Monkey, in the art of existence, exploring the canvas of consciousness, where every stroke, every color, every shade, is a testament to the boundless potential of the creative spirit within us all.
In your journey with art, how do you perceive its role in your life and in the broader tapestry of human experience?
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